Andy Murray has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover from the hip injury that has kept him out of action since Wimbledon last year.

The 30-year-old had already pulled out of the Brisbane International event but has now announced he will play no part in the first grand slam of 2018, which starts in Melbourne on January 15.

"Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray said in a statement.

"I'll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon."

Three-time grand slam winner Murray has reached the final of the Australian Open five times in his career.

Andy Murray has pulled out of the Asutralian Open (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Andy Murray has been forced to abandon his Australian Open bid (Image: Getty Images AsiaPac)

Murray will now fly home to London from Brisbane (Image: Getty Images AsiaPac)

Murray has not played since Wimbledon last year (Image: AFP/Getty)

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley added: "We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he's done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer.

"Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it.

"We wish him the absolute best on his road to recovery and look forward to having him back in Melbourne. He is a true champion and one of our favourites."

The British No.1's withdrawal comes one day after he posted an emotional message on social media detailing his struggle with injury in recent months.

Murray in discomfort while practising in Brisbane (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

He wrote: "I've obviously been going through a really difficult period with my hip for a long time and have sought council from a number of hip specialists.

"Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the US Open I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to try get back on the court competing.

"Having played practice sets here in Brisbane with some top players unfortunately this hasn't worked yet to get me to the level I would like so I have to reassess my options.

"Obviously continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover. Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as I high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that. However this is something I may have to consider but let's hope not."